MOTIVATION, THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE IMPACT ON YOUR GAME

 MOTIVATION, THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE IMPACT ON YOUR GAME

Based on my personal observations, a Pickleball player’s motivation to improve involves five (5) incentives: (1) to beat their friends at Open Play; (2) to play with and against the “big fish” in their local pickleball pond; (3) to attend local sanctioned tournaments in hopes of winning a medal; (4) to play for fun and exercise, happy to bang the ball back and forth across the net until someone misses.

Then there is number five (5), the autodidactic player, who plays and competes against themselves. These “self-improvers” work constantly and diligently to improve their game and minimize unforced errors. Their reward is their gratification of their ability to succeed, besting themselves.

They care not about the “win or loss” factor. If they play their best game, and loose they celebrate themselves. When they play a poor game, win or loose, they are disappointed but not deterred. They view their poor performance as a learning experience, a teachable moment. "

What physical and mental mistakes did I make, and how do I correct them."

Many seek perfection, knowing full well they will never reach it, but they still try, and some come close. It's the challenge from within of "self 1 against self 2."

The “poor game” is what motivates them most to improve. They make notes of their game flaws and errors This is their blueprint for practice.

They view their "pro and con" post game notes They schedule a private practice to correct their mistakes. Practice is their “special time” of relaxation, fun and improvement. They test themselves one shot at a time.

Their mind is focused only on the ball. They let their body respond without conscious thought. They may hit several hundred balls until they are satisfied with their performance, before moving on to correct the next flaw.

This type of self discipline can pave the way to becoming a professional pickleball player.

The next time you watch a pro-level game, watch the expressions and body language of the players. Even when they loose, after playing their best, they celebrate themselves.

Regardless of what anyone says, no player new or experienced likes to consistently loose. They chose the carefree, nonchalant, good time player role. They don’t mind being a “practice target” for their opponents. In time, the fun wears off. Their friends become foes. Intimidation and frustration takes hold and drives them from the game.

All manner of motivation to play pickleball is plausible. But the path you choose is yours and yours alone. I do not believe in the “we are our brother’s keeper” quote when it comes to pickleball. I believe “we are our brother’s teacher” when it comes to pickleball.